Priority Actions

Undertake restoration work at the high profile Upper Hemming’s Creek for both environmental and community awareness raising benefits.

Why it is important?

This site is ideally located to increase wildlife connectivity from the coast to the Lamb Range as well as delivering community awareness raising and recreational benefits. It will encourage residents to 'look after their own patch'. Identified through Waterways Workshops.

Protection and habitat restoration on Behana Creek, building on existing work.

Why it is important?

This creek is very special. As well as having an important role as a wildlife connectivity corridor between coastal habitat and the WHA, it is a high priority freshwater ecosystem and is the site of the proposed Mulgrave aquifer. There has been significant work already undertaken to build upon. Identified through Waterways Workshops.

Undertake riparian restoration progressively along the banks of the Mulgrave River and its tributaries, building on existing work and landholder willingness.

Why it is important?

There has already been a lot of work undertaken on the Mulgrave and there is more landholder interest to capitalise on. There is strong community support as a result of having an active and highly regarded catchment group in the area. Identified through Waterways Workshops.

Undertake weed control (Thunbergia, Hymenachne, Hygrophila) and riparian restoration along the suite of feeder creeks flowing between the Mulgrave and the mountains.

Why it is important?

These creeks are very special for freshwater endemism, and they can form part of an important network of linkages across this relatively short gap in connectivity. Wildlife movement (eg. cassowary) will be facilitated. There are some very keen landholders. Identified through Waterways Workshops.

The wetlands at the mouth of the Mulgrave and Russell Rivers are ecologically significant with some of the last examples of palm swamp communities. Work on the mitigation of acid sulphate soils and weeds. It is an ideal place to reinstate functional wetlands. Identified through Waterways Workshops.

Undertake riparian restoration progressively along the banks of Camp Creek, building on existing work.

Why it is important?

Restoration of several really special creeks will form part of an important network of wildlife linkages across this relatively short gap in connectivity. There has already been some good work done on this creek, and the local catchment group has good connections with landholders. Identified through Waterways Workshops.

Eradicate weeds (guinea grass) and restore native vegetation to this island which was formerly cane land.

Why it is important?

This site has important cultural significance to Traditional Owners. It is large (80 acres) and currently full of guinea grass. It will be important to get the neighbouring cane farmer on board, but successful restoration of this area would deliver multiple benefits. Identified through Waterways Workshops.

Employ a “Communicator/facilitator” to assist multiple small projects/community groups to tell the story about their achievements and the value of what they are doing.

Why it is important?

Supporting small projects to tell their story more effectively will deliver maximum awareness raising from all the effort that is being invested across the local landscape. Many groups don’t have the expertise or resources to do this well.

Conduct community education and purchase of “Bokashi” fermentation and food recycling kits for schools and interested local businesses for conversion of food waste to usable soil, containing healthy beneficial microbes.

Why it is important?

A pilot initiative in the community can raise awareness of a wide range of issues such as soil health, landfill, greenhouse gas emissions etc. through a practical, local initiative. Participation of schools would provide the perfect setting for learning and telling the story.

Expand on the Holloway’s Beach Environmental Education Program in Gordonvale School – partnering up with local projects to provide students with real life experiences, with real scientists/experts and the local community.

Why it is important?

Targeting our younger people where it would have the most impact. Ensure students are working with real scientists/experts – being realistic. Making involvement in environmental programs exciting (and “cool”) will build stronger sense of stewardship and connection.

The Russell is a highly modified, complex system. Management planning using multiple data sets (e.g. Lidar, Groundwater Dependent Ecosystems Mapping, shallowest aquifer layer) is critical before major decisions are made on how best to direct limited investment. Identified through Waterways Workshops.

Develop River Management Plan for Babinda Creek as basis for negotiating appropriate works with landholders.

Why it is important?

This plan is critical as the basis for discussion with farmers. We need to be sure that what is being proposed for an area is the right thing, and that landholders have confidence that the investment in the range of actions that the plan recommends will pay off.

Restoration of priority locations identified in the Russell River Management Plan.

Why it is important?

Comprehensive planning, consultation and prioritising has already been undertaken during the development of the Russell River Management Plan, identifying actions which deliver significant outcomes. These actions now need to be implemented.

Focusing on Figtree Creek, Harvey Creek and Eubenangee, this will deliver multiple outcomes including habitat restoration and connectivity, waterway restoration and climate change adaptation. Increased community capacity and awareness will be included.

Revegetation of the lower reaches of Babinda Creek to expand habitat and provide food species for cassowaries.

Why it is important?

This location builds on existing work and willingness of property owner with a large piece of land. Cassowary populations occur nearby and this is an ideal place for expanding territory and enhancing connectivity. Identified through Waterways Workshops.

This is a modified swamp with important fern palm remnants. It is an important fish nursery and it filters water flowing to the reef. There are links with existing wetland projects happening in the area. Restoring its function is a priority. Identified through Waterways Workshops.